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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Former Governor of Imo State, Chief Achike Udenwa, has filed a N5 billion defamation suit against lawyer, politician and Nollywood actor Mr. Kenneth Okonkwo at the High Court of Imo State, Owerri Judicial Division.
The Writ of Summons, dated 24th July 2026 with Suit No. HOW/ /2026, was served outside jurisdiction to Okonkwo at Ofuluonu, Nsukka, Enugu State.
According to court documents, Udenwa is suing over statements Okonkwo allegedly made on 8th June 2026 during Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme.
The specific comment quoted in the suit: “That is why the NDC has released a statement that it is only the South East caucus of the party that was involved in such problems. Onyema Ugochukwu, Achike Udenwa, Peter Obi and other leaders of South East caucus were busy extorting the South East aspirants.”
Udenwa, who is described in the filing as a Chartered Accountant, former Governor of Imo State from 1999-2007, and former Minister of Commerce and Industry from 2008-2010, says the statement was broadcast live, later published on Channels TV’s YouTube channel under the title “Kenneth Okonkwo Criticizes Peter Obi, Condemns NDC Primaries”, and further amplified on Okonkwo’s verified X account , Facebook and other platforms.
Udenwa, who pleads that he is currently a member of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) with no executive role in the party, denies ever extorting any aspirant. The statement of claim states he was never accused of fraud, dishonesty or financial impropriety during his career , played no role in NDC’s 2027 candidate nomination process .
Also that he has Never met Onyema Ugochukwu or Peter Obi to “extort” South East aspirants or has not been charged by EFCC, ICPC, or any investigative agency
He says the allegations caused him “great injury to his credit and reputation” and led to numerous calls from associates seeking explanations.
Udenwa is asking the court for a declaration that the statements are false, malicious, baseless and defamatory ,
N5,000,000,000.00 in general damages for injury to reputation, character, integrity, and political standing , an order for Okonkwo to publish a full retraction and apology on Channels TV, its YouTube, and on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube plus 3 national daily newspapers within 30 days ,an order to delete and remove all related posts, videos and publications , a perpetual injunction restraining Okonkwo from further publishing similar allegations and
N25,000,000.00 as counsel’s fees, plus costs .
Legal representation for the plaintiff , Chief Soronnadi Njoku, SAN & Co declares Okonkwo has 42 days from service to enter appearance, or judgment may be given in his absence.
